Category: Sports

By Teddy Kraus ’25

You know you’re doing something right when you’re in the same group as Arnold Palmer. That’s the case for Wyoming Seminary’s Nick Werner ‘25, who has just won back-to-back PIAA golf state championships. 

Coming off last season’s state title as a junior, Werner didn’t focus on the expectations surrounding him that he would win back-to-back titles. He says, “Although I did win last year, I didn’t go into this year with the expectations of winning again. I always attempt to attack the course shot by shot. Obviously, I want to win, but I keep myself from looking too far ahead.” This mentality allowed Werner to keep his head down and play his game while blocking the noise and pressure around him. 

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Werner. He entered day 2 of the tournament tied for second place. “I started off poorly with three bogeys in my first four holes,” recalls Werner, “but I’m proud of the way I turned it around.” He went from being three over par to finishing the tournament six under.

For an athlete, there’s no better feeling than securing a championship, and this was the case for Werner. “It was pure relief” he states “I’m blessed for the opportunity I’ve been given, and the support I’ve received. I’m honored to be able to represent my school, friends, and family proudly.”

The relief coming off back-to-back titles is more than warranted, given that Werner is one of only seven golfers to win back-to-back PIAA golf state championships, along with the legendary Arnold Palmer. Talking about the group he’s cemented himself in, Werner says” I’m honored to have earned a spot into that exclusive group, and it feels like the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s satisfying when you put in hours and hours each day and it ends up paying off. I’m blessed for the opportunity I’ve been given, and I’m beyond grateful.” It’s safe to say those hours of hard work paid off. Werner’s already legendary career will continue at Penn State, where he’s committed to playing golf next fall. 

Izzy Shoemaker ‘26

On Friday, October 24, 2024, the Wyoming Seminary Blue Knights hosted the Penn Charter School for our homecoming football game. 

Though Wyoming Seminary played in the first ever high school Friday night lights football game ever, Seminary has not regularly participated in the highschool tradition in recent years. In more recent times, Sem more regularly holds Saturday afternoon games, which tend to draw fewer spectators. Josie Carpenter ‘26 said she’s much more likely to attend a night game. “Friday night light games are a big deal for all the other schools around here, so I get really excited when we host one. It makes it feel more special.” 

The most recent game had a huge student section. As it was a neon-themed game, all students received a neon colored shirt of their choice and wore their best neon clothing to support their team. Many students wore neon construction jackets, helmets, and neon face paint to get in theme.

There was also a special halftime performance; student volunteers made their best attempt at kicking field goals, some even making it from as far back as the 40-yard line. Sem True Blue also launched t-shirt cannons into the crowd while Ms. Cinti, who MC’d the game, got all students participating and cheering. 

The student section also had beach balls, silly string, and glow sticks to keep everyone engaged. 

Mirabaai Reitsma ‘26, a yearbook editor, spent her night taking digital camera photos of the student section and the game itself. “The student section looked so colorful and fun. I’m really excited to use the photos in this year’s yearbook.” 

Last year, Sem also hosted a Friday night game against rival Blair Academy. The student section had Beat Blair t-shirts, white face paint, and noisemakers. 

Though the result of both games were not in Seminary’s favor, all students who attended had a great time and were excited to support their football team. Homecoming weekend is a momentous time on campus, and a Friday night light game was a great event to have in celebration of it. 

By Izzy Shoemaker ‘26

This year, the Lady Knights have had a more prosperous season than ever. As of May 1st the Girls were sitting with a 10-1 record, only falling to Abington Heights. After losing several key players in the class of 2023, the new talent on the team has not only filled positions, but completely changed the course of the team’s path.

The young team welcomed highly talented freshmen, like Ellie Kersey ‘27. Kersey, a midfielder specializing in draw control, already has several lacrosse accolades this year. Kersey has an average of 6.33 points per game, making her the Wyoming Valley Conference’s fourth highest scorer. On the attack line, captain Sienna Popple ‘24 has also made a significant impact, on the most recent count averaging 4.67 points per game. Defensively, goalie Eva Blaum ‘25 has a total save rate of 0.524%, the fourth highest in the conference. Goalie Celeste Perry ‘24 has a save average of 0.500%, the sixth highest save rate in the conference.

The girls took home a win at their senior night on April 26 against Belefonte Area, winning 21-5. Kersey also achieved her 100th draw control. Despite Belefonte Area getting the first point on the board, the Knights rallied forthwith, obtaining a several point lead by the nd of the first quarter. Captain Abby Williams ‘24 and Laine Cabell ‘24 put up several points in the first quarter. Williams ended with 6 goals total and Cabell ended with 2 goals. This win serves as a great confidence boost for the team as they looked forward to playing Scranton Prep and Crestwood. Crestwood holds the highly contended number one ranking, with Prep at number four, right behind the SEM girls in the three spot. Ryleigh McDonell ‘26 was very excited for the Crestwood game. She said, “Crestwood’s always a great team, but this year I think we are more evenly matched and I think we have a great shot at winning.” Emma Butcher ‘26 expressed a similar sentiment, saying “I think we are having a great season, and beating Crestwood isn’t out of reach.” The girls continued to be incredibly confident, as their skills speak for themselves. The Knights are motivated to keep leading the conference and to continue elevating their program as a whole. As fans, the SEM community is incredibly excited.